Amid uncertain times Volunteer group ushers in a season of renewed faith and hope with ‘MAD Talks Puhon’

As uncertainty continues to shape the world, I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. is ushering in a season of renewed faith and hope with the return of its signature “hugot” event, MAD Talks. 

Set to take place this December in celebration of National Volunteer Month, the gathering highlights the Philippines’ enduring tradition of volunteerism, charity, and bayanihan, the timeless spirit of helping others without expecting anything in return.

Marking its 15th year, I am MAD will hold MAD Talks Puhon: Faith & Hope in Volunteerism on December 6, 2025 at SM Megamall Cinema 3, made possible through the support of SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls. 

The event is officially endorsed by the National Youth Commission and backed by the Mental Health Youth Hub, further strengthening the organization’s mission to empower young volunteers across the country.

This year’s theme embraces “puhon,” a Visayan expression meaning “in God’s perfect time” or “when the time is right.” It reflects the quiet faith behind every act of service and to trust the natural unfolding of their own becoming.

For 15 years, I am MAD has quietly but powerfully shaped the lives of Filipino youth, weaving stories of hope, laughter, tears, and transformation. Formerly known as MAD Talks Padayon, the organization now evolves into a gentler yet deeper expression of its mission: puhon.

A new rhythm for a new season

MAD Talks Puhon invites volunteers to trust their God’s unfolding and embrace the moments that are still forming with deep faith and high hopes.

“There’s so much happening in our world right now, and many of us feel the weight of it. But even in uncertain times, we stay committed to doing what we can, right where we are. Every small act matters, because in time, these simple efforts build into real, lasting change. As volunteers, we keep moving forward, anchored in two things: pananampalataya at pag-asa (faith and hope). Malayo pa, pero malayo na, we have a long way to go, but we’ve already come so far—and that steady rhythm of choosing to serve is what we celebrate,” shares Maco Ravanzo, co-founder of I am MAD.

Stories of faith, hope, and love

This year’s speakers bring stories shaped by timing, resilience, and grace. Ymari Kristia Pascua, National Youth Commission mental health coach and I am MAD’s resident speaker, will share how her own healing journey grew into a mission of hope. She will be joined by volunteer leaders Heini Borromeo, Wino Dela Cruz, and Kaye Maguddayao, who will each offer insights rooted in service, leadership, and faith.

Together, their narratives form a collective portrait of surrender, purpose, and becoming—a reflection of puhon, and a reminder that transformation often unfolds in the quiet, unseen moments of life.

Arrive exactly as you are—and it’s free

At its core, MAD Talks Puhon is a reminder that showing up matters most. Trusting one’s timing is not passive waiting, it is the courage to arrive exactly as you are, to release what you cannot control, and to believe that your becoming is already taking shape in God’s perfect time. Volunteerism lives in every Filipino, and every act of service begins with simply showing up.

Admission to MAD Talks Puhon is completely free. I am MAD invites volunteers, dreamers, and everyday heroes to hayaán, to let things be and allow what is meant to unfold, and to embrace the sacred rhythm of service, faith, and timing. Registration is now open at bit.ly/MADTalksPuhon2025.

I am MAD continues its volunteer outreach programs focused on values formation, education, and community-building for children in underserved areas nationwide. To join, support, and be updated, follow fb.com/IamMakingADifference or email iammadph@gmail.com.

About I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc.

I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. (I am MAD) is a nationwide, volunteer-powered nonprofit organization focused on mobilizing the Filipino citizens, especially the youth, in helping empower our younger generation to discover their dreams and passions, adopt a more values-oriented mindset, and eventually make a meaningful contribution to nation-building.

I am MAD believes that even through our smallest positive habits and simplest acts of volunteerism, we can contribute to the betterment of our society. 

The organization has been twice recognized as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) awardee in 2015 for its main program, I am M.A.D. Camp (under the Culture and Arts, Peace, and Human Development category); and a national finalist in 2018 for its MAD Talks events (under the Culture, Arts, and Heritage category).

For more information, visit: fb.com/IamMakingADifference | instagram.com/iammad_ph | twitter.com/iammad_ph | youtube.com/@iammadvolunteers |  anchor.fm/iammad | bit.ly/MADTalksSpotify | tiktok.com/@iammad_ph | Email: iammadph@gmail.com